New report highlights impact of WEDC entrepreneurship programs

MADISON, WI. Nov. 21, 2017 – Startups and early-stage companies receiving direct assistance from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) entrepreneurship programs attracted nearly $300 million in new funding and generated more than $85 million in revenue in 2016, according to a report released today.

The 314 companies receiving direct assistance from WEDC’s Division of Entrepreneurship and Innovation programs supported 2,133 full-time jobs and 717 part-time jobs in Wisconsin and paid $111 million in wages, the report said.

The $385 million in new capital generated by those companies is a 17 percent increase over the $328 million reported in 2015.The number of full-time jobs supported by those companies also is up 22 percent over 2015.

In addition, WEDC’s partners in administering entrepreneurship-related programs assisted another 2,215 companies to create more than 407 new jobs and retain an additional 272 jobs.

About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @InWisconsin to learn more.